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Setting up utilities in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, PECO delivers electricity, Philadelphia Gas Works delivers gas, the Philadelphia Water Department runs water and sewer, and the Philadelphia Department of Sanitation handles trash pickup.

Moving to Philadelphia? Public Grid can set up your electric for you.

Your utilities in Philadelphia

Who to call for each service in Philadelphia, and how to start it.

ServiceProviderHow to start

Electric

PECO

The electric company for Philadelphia and its suburbs.

To start: PECO asks for your full legal name and Social Security number when you start service, and checks them with Equifax to confirm who you are.

Or let Public Grid set it up →
Start or stop service1 (800) 494-4000Start on peco.com (opens secure.peco.com in a new tab)
Read our PECO guide

Gas

Philadelphia Gas Works

PGW provides natural gas to homes and businesses in Philadelphia.

To start: To start online, PGW needs your Social Security number, driver’s license, non-driver’s license or DPW number. Without one, you can start service at a PGW customer service center.

Customer service1 (215) 235-1000Start on pgworks.com (opens pgworks.com in a new tab)

Water & sewer

Philadelphia Water Department

The City supplies drinking water and wastewater service in Philadelphia.

To start: If you rent, you can apply to have water service in your name. You’ll need the owner’s written consent, a government-issued photo ID and proof of residency, such as your lease.

Customer service1 (215) 685-6300Start online (opens phila.gov in a new tab)

Trash & recycling

Philadelphia Department of Sanitation

The City manages trash and recycling collection in Philadelphia.

To start: There’s nothing to start if your building has six units or fewer.

A condo or co-op building can request City pickup.

3111 (215) 686-8686phila.gov (opens phila.gov in a new tab)

What Philadelphia homes pay for electricity

This is PECO’s average for the homes it serves. Your own bill depends on your home’s size and how you heat it.

$148

PECO’s average home bill, per month

19.5¢

PECO’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

FAQ

Questions about moving to Philadelphia

Not if your building has six units or fewer, since the City picks up trash and recycling there. Buildings with more than six units aren’t eligible for City pickup, unless they’re a condo or co-op that qualifies.

Check your lease. If you rent, you can also apply to have water service in your own name, with the owner’s written consent.

Sources: PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Department of Sanitation, EIA.

Public Grid isn’t affiliated with these companies.

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